Which one should you use?
While vamos is the standard form for movement toward a destination, you might use the reflexive form irnos (as in Nos vamos) if you want to emphasize the act of departing or leaving a place. For formal situations, you can use Nos dirigimos, whereas the colloquial and regional form used in Spain is Nos largamos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Nos largamos is a colloquial variation specifically used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vamos is the conjugation of the verb ir for nosotros(as). It is used for both the present indicative "we go" and the present continuous "we are going" in many contexts. To express a future intention such as "we are going to [do something]", use the construction vamos a followed by the infinitive of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbamos/
Did you know?
- The word vamos is actually a linguistic survivor from the Latin subjunctive form vādāmus, which eventually overthrew the older Spanish indicative form imos.
- Depending on the region, ¡Vamos! can be used sarcastically to express disbelief, acting like the English phrase 'Yeah, right!' or 'Give me a break!'
- Beyond just words, a hand wave accompanying ¡Vamos! can transform the phrase from a simple encouragement into a command to hurry up.
Examples in context
- Vamos a ir al cine.We are going to the cinema.This sentence shows how to use vamos to express moving toward a destination like the cinema.Tatoeba #1481667 by marcelostockle, translation #371904 by saeb
- Vamos de mal en peor.We are going from bad to worse.This sentence uses vamos to describe a progression from one state to another.Tatoeba #2269049 by Shishir, translation #2269048 by _undertoad
- Vamos a comer cuscús.We are going to eat couscous.This sentence demonstrates using vamos a followed by an infinitive to express an intention to eat.Tatoeba #11067421 by adaycito, translation #8029145 by Amastan
- Señor, vamos a la reunión ahora mismo.Sir, we are going to the meeting right now.
- Nos dirigimos al aeropuerto para tomar nuestro vuelo.We are heading to the airport to catch our flight.
- ¡Chicos, nos vamos de paseo!Guys, we are going on a trip!
- ¡Venga, nos largamos de aquí!Come on, let's get out of here!
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are leaving a party.
- SofíaYa es tarde, vamos.It's late now, we are going.
- JavierTienes razón, busquemos el coche.You're right, let's look for the car.
- Sofía¡Vamos! El estacionamiento está lejos.Let's go! The parking lot is far.
- JavierEstá bien, Sofía, camina rápido.Alright, Sofía, walk fast.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vamos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vamos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
